Quickly While They Still Have Horses by Jan Carson

Quickly While They Still Have Horses is a captivating collection that delves into the intricacies of human relationships and the passage of time. Carson’s writing is both lyrical and poignant, weaving together stories that are rich in emotion and vivid in detail. Each narrative is a testament to her ability to capture the essence of her characters’ inner lives, making them feel incredibly real and relatable.

The stories in this collection are set against the backdrop of contemporary Northern Ireland, yet they resonate with universal themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning. Carson’s prose is both sharp and tender, often laced with a subtle humour that adds depth to her storytelling. Her characters are beautifully flawed, navigating the complexities of their lives with a sense of resilience and hope.

One of the standout aspects of this collection is Carson’s ability to blend the ordinary with the extraordinary. She seamlessly integrates elements of magical realism into her narratives, creating a world that is both familiar and fantastical. This blend adds a unique layer to her stories, making them not only engaging but also thought-provoking. In short, a remarkable collection that showcases Jan Carson’s talent as a storyteller.